RANCHO CUCAMONGA - After 14 years on the City Council, Rex Gutierrez, one of the most controversial leaders in the city and at one time a state Assembly hopeful, resigned from his post Wednesday following a judge's orders.

Gutierrez was found guilty on all four counts of conspiracy, grand theft and filing a fraudulent claim during his tenure at the San Bernardino County Assessor's Office.

Gutierrez, 50, e-mailed his resignation letter to City Manager Jack Lam and the City Council at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

"With heavy hearts, my family and I want to express our love and devotion to the wonderful people of Rancho Cucamonga, who have largely stood by us in our time of need," Gutierrez wrote in his resignation. "I am sorry to have put the residents of Rancho Cucamonga through this ordeal. I will forever appreciate the patience and expressions of good will from many people who stood with me."

Gutierrez's crimes stem from his role in the Assessor's Office under the management of Bill Postmus. When Gutierrez was first tried in June, the jury deadlocked.

During the retrial, which started four weeks ago, prosecutors claimed Gutierrez conducted little to no assessor-related work and was hired by Postmus as a political favor for Rancho Cucamonga developer Jeff Burum. Gutierrez's former colleagues at the Assessor's Office and two Rancho Cucamonga councilmen were among those who testified.

The seven-woman, five-man jury had been deliberating since Thursday.

"I did not deserve what happened today," Gutierrez said in an interview after the verdict was announced. "I know that I didn't conspire with other people to rob the county of money. It just didn't happen. I am satisfied that I know that and I know that God knows that."

Gutierrez is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 15. According to Deputy District Attorney Lewis Cope, each of the four counts amounts to 18 months to three years in state prison.

"We're optimistic," Gutierrez said about his sentencing. "What purpose would be served on locking someone up who has the ability to provide for his family? I don't have a record. I've not been in trouble before. I hope the judge will think about that."

Gutierrez said in the coming weeks, he'll be working on the next edition of his community newsletter. He will also attend his daughter's wedding in November.

"Thank God I'm not in custody and can see her get married," Gutierrez said. "That was one of our biggest concerns."

Gutierrez's resignation is effective immediately but his name will still appear on Tuesday's ballot. There are three seats up for election including Gutierrez's.

"The verdict means his powers as councilman are suspended and he's not eligible for another term of office," said City Attorney Jim Markman. "If he's elected, he can't assume that seat."

Should Gutierrez win the election, the City Council will have 30 days from the day the election results are certified to decide whether to hold a special election or appoint Gutierrez's replacement. The election results are expected to be certified by the end of November.

Should Gutierrez decide to appeal Wednesday's verdict, he would still be unable to serve on the City Council if he wins next week, said Markman.

Gutierrez's colleagues on the City Council expressed empathy after hearing news of the guilty verdict.

Councilwoman Diane Williams, one of the council members who called for Gutierrez's resignation last year, said Gutierrez has been very professional at City Hall during his trial.

"He has not come to a meeting and used the trial as an excuse," Williams said. "He handled it with a lot of grace and poise. I'm kind of sad it's had to come to this."

Councilman Dennis Michael said he doesn't think the trial has damaged the city's reputation.

"I don't think one person with some issues would have any irreparable damage to the city," Michael said. "Justice was served. It's not the brightest day in the history of Rancho Cucamonga but it's time to move forward."

Gutierrez also faces a civil lawsuit filed by the county for his role in the Assessor's Office scandal. Gutierrez and Postmus are among six people who are being sued by the county.

"The jury's verdict confirms my suspicions that the former Assessor conspired to defraud San Bernardino County taxpayers by creating a political operation with public funds," said Supervisor Paul Biane in a statement. "Bill Postmus perverted the Board of Supervisors' desires to expand customer service in the Assessor's office, and he damaged the reputation of this county."

Gutierrez said his case was the first in a series of investigations by the District Attorney's Office related to the Assessor's Office scandal.

"They wanted to start with me and prove this widespread conspiracy happened. It was important for them to start with me," Gutierrez said. "I can't fault the attorneys that fought against me. I've completely forgiven anyone from the DA's office including the DA himself. I have no ill will towards anyone.

"I'm just happy to have a family, to have the gospel, to have a roof over my head, to have many friends. I have to be happy in some strange kind of way."